Why should you get tested?
Consider Vaginal or Penile Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma testing if you are experiencing symptoms or are:
- Sexually active with a new partner
- Sexually active with multiple partners
- HIV positive
It is important to note that testing for Ureaplasma / Mycoplasma should be secondary to Chlamydia / Gonorrhea testing since these are more common infections. If you are experiencing symptoms and have not yet been tested for Chlaymdia / Gonorrhea, we strongly recommend testing for these pathogens first.
Ureaplasma and mycoplasma are two independent bacteria, but are often present as a dual infection. They are different infections but are often tested together because they travel together and are frequently found together in the body. These organisms have similar side effects and cross-over symptoms like other STDs and are part of the spectrum of sexually transmitted organisms. Up to half of those infected with ureaplasma or mycoplasma display no symptoms; but if left untreated, they can cause long term complications, like chronic pelvic pain or infertility.
Until recently, ureaplasma and mycoplasma have been very difficult to detect. With increased testing, more people may become aware of these bacteria, reducing transmission of these common, though relatively unknown, infections.
What are the signs and symptoms in men and women?
What should a woman know about an ureaplasma/mycoplasma infection?
It is critically important for women to know if they have either infection. If left untreated, ureaplasma can lead to infertility (inability to have a normal pregnancy) and mycoplasma can cause chronic pelvic pain. Complications may include:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (severe inflammation of the uterus)
- Increased risk of miscarriages or complications during pregnancy
- Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis)
- Kidney Infection and kidney stones
In one study done of 46 women seeking an initial infertility evaluation, 21% were positive for ureaplasma and 1.3% were positive for mycoplasma. Pregnant women should also know if they are positive for ureaplasma or mycoplasma, as either can be transmitted to a baby at birth or in utero (in the womb).
What should a man know about a ureaplasma/mycoplasma infection?
Since ureaplasma and mycoplasma infections are more common in infertile couples, research is being done on the increased risk of male infertility.
In men, symptoms of ureaplasma and mycoplasma include:
- Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis)
- Kidney Infection and kidney stones
What happens if your test is positive?
Ureaplasma and mycoplasma are very common infections. They respond to antibiotics, but can be more challenging to treat than other infections or STDs. It’s important that you make an appointment with a healthcare provider so you can start treatment right away.
Repeat infection is common and causes an even greater risk for potential long-term complications. The CDC recommends retesting 3 months’ post-treatment; a negative result establishes that the treatment was effective.
Because you can transmit your infection to partners at this time, you should abstain from sexual activity until after treatment. You should also inform all current and past sexual partners about your results so they know to get tested as well.